I'm more concerned about getting the right players rather than when they are announced. The latter is a commercially strategic topic, the former is a business critical topic.

Touche

IIRC we announced Goudemand early (mid-season), but it didn't make him a good player. There is no correlation between the lateness of the announcement and the quality of said signing.

Surely wanting to have a long and consistent pre-season has got to the be the main aim for early signings. We need to be aiming for a fitter and more injury resilient squad for next year. That's a combination of personnel and conditioning.

I was absolutely sick to death earlier in the year how much RS and pundits would say that our spine weren't clicking because they hadn't had long together, even 12 - 15 rounds into the season. From round 1 next year, I want a fit side with lot's of cohesion.

The need for a tough off season is the main reason for wanting players to come in earlier for me. I don't think there have been many signings announced across the board yet? Sailor to Sts is the only big name signing I can think of.

Sutcliffe to Hudds???

Marcus Vassilakopoulos, he was a big name…

Jared Waerea Hargreaves big name literally and a superleague signing for next year.

Aah - forgot about JWH. It'll be very interesting to see how he goes next year. If he can focus on playing rugby and controlling his aggression then he'll be a huge boost to Rovers. But if he starts to get frustrated he could see a lot of time on the sidelines.

Look forward to seeing him wade in every time Mikey Lewis is being a grub too.